About St. Rose of Lima · Houston, Texas
St. Rose of Lima is a Roman Catholic parish in the Oak Forest/Garden Oaks neighborhood of Houston, Texas, in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Founded in March 1946, it now serves approximately 1,600 registered families through bilingual (English and Spanish) Masses, a parish school, faith formation programs, and over 50 ministries. The parish describes its mission as 'making room for all at the table of the Lord through loving service,' and it is recognized for its landmark mid-century church with a 63-foot cross-topped bell tower, German stained glass and Italian-carved Stations of the Cross.
- Established
- 1946
- Patron
- St. Rose of Lima
- Rector
- Fr. Jacob Ramirez
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Why belong here
St. Rose of Lima is a bilingual, multi-generational Catholic community of about 1,600 families in the Oak Forest / Garden Oaks area of Houston that takes its mission of 'making room for all at the table of the Lord' literally — through weekday and Sunday Masses in both English and Spanish, a parish school that has served students since 1948, year-round Eucharistic Adoration, and over 50 active ministries ranging from OCIA and youth formation to St. Vincent de Paul, the Food Pantry, the Gabriel Project, Kolbe Prison Ministry, the ACTS retreats, Gratia Plena Catholic counseling, the St. Mother Teresa outreach to elderly and homebound parishioners, and 'The Gathering' day program for those with special needs.
Mass times at St. Rose of Lima
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday: 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm (English & Español)
- Thursday: 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm (English & Español)
- Saturday: 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm (English & Español)
Adoration times
- Monday: After 8:15 am Mass – Noon
- Tuesday: After 8:15 am Mass – Noon
- Wednesday: After 8:15 am Mass – Noon, and (Español) 6:00 pm – 6:50 pm
- Friday: After 8:15 am Mass – Noon
- Saturday: 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm (English & Español)
Our Story: A Parish Rooted in Houston Since 1946
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community was founded in March 1946 with 110 families, no building, and a great deal of faith. The community first gathered for Mass in a school auditorium on West 21st Street and in a fire station on West 34th Street while Rev. Paul C. Pieri worked to purchase land between 34th, Wakefield and Brinkman and design the first parish complex. After postwar delays, that complex — including a rectory, an auditorium (now East Hall), five classrooms, a cafeteria, and a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet — was completed in August 1948, when Bishop Christopher E. Byrne, assisted by 45 priests, dedicated the buildings on the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima.
- Founded March 1946 by 110 families
- First pastor: Rev. Paul C. Pieri (Msgr. Pieri)
- Land purchased between W. 34th, Wakefield, and Brinkman
- First parish complex completed August 1948
Building the Current Church (1961–1962)
Construction on the present-day church began in August 1961, and Bishop Wendelin J. Nold laid the cornerstone on July 1, 1962. The new church was dedicated on August 30, 1962 — the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima — giving the parish the landmark building it still worships in. Its contemporary design includes a 63-foot cross-topped bell tower, green and gray ledge-stone sanctuary walls, German-made stained glass windows, and hand-carved Italian Stations of the Cross.
- Construction began August 1961
- Cornerstone laid July 1, 1962
- Dedicated August 30, 1962 by Bishop Wendelin J. Nold
- 63-foot cross-topped bell tower; German stained glass; Italian Stations of the Cross
Faith Formation (CCE) for Children
The parish's Continuing Christian Education (CCE) program offers age-appropriate catechesis from Pre-K through fifth grade. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade students meet Sundays from 9:45 am to 11:00 am in the Fellowship Center, while Second through Fifth Grade meets Mondays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the East Hall/Cafeteria (drop-off under the school awning from 6:20 pm). Lucy Martinez coordinates the program with assistant Chrissy Whitney.
- Pre-K, Kinder, 1st Grade: Sundays 9:45–11:00 am (Fellowship Center)
- Grades 2–5: Mondays 6:30–8:00 pm (East Hall / Cafeteria)
- Coordinator: Lucy Martinez ([email protected])
- Assistant: Chrissy Whitney ([email protected])
Youth Faith Formation (Grades 6–12)
St. Rose of Lima's Youth Faith Formation program serves middle and high school teens with classes, retreats, service opportunities, and fellowship activities that build community and prepare them for Confirmation. Confirmation preparation is a two-year program typically celebrated in grades 9–10. Stephanie Ruiz serves as Director of Youth Ministry.
- Director of Youth Ministry: Stephanie Ruiz
- Two-year Confirmation prep (grades 9–10)
- Includes classes, retreats, and service projects
- Online registration available for grades 6–12
Adult Sacramental Preparation (OCIA / RCIA)
Adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church — or to complete their initiation — join the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Rose of Lima. Deacon David Dufilho, ordained in 2023, coordinates the OCIA program. The parish also prepares adults for Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick.
- OCIA / RCIA program for adults
- Coordinator: Deacon David Dufilho
- Adult Confirmation and baptism preparation available
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School has been in continuous operation since opening in September 1948 with 185 students, founded alongside the parish with the help of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The school continues to offer a quality Catholic education focused on holistic formation of mind, body, and spirit, and is supported by the parish's Education and Formation Building (added under Fr. Rafael Becerra) and an Early Childhood Center expanded under Fr. Clint Ressler's capital campaign.
- Opened September 1948 with 185 students
- Founded with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
- Principal: Stefanie Tellier
- Early Childhood Center Director: Lisa Weatherly
- Assistant Director: Laura Gonzalez
Parish Ministries & Outreach
St. Rose of Lima runs more than 50 ministries spanning faith formation, outreach, liturgy, and community engagement. Outreach pillars include the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, the Gabriel Project (support for expectant mothers), Kolbe Prison Ministry, the St. Mother Teresa Ministry (elderly and isolated parishioners), the Gratia Plena Catholic counseling service, and 'The Gathering' — a safe, engaging day for individuals with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, dementia, or those who are homebound. Liturgical ministries welcome altar servers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers, while spiritual growth opportunities include ACTS retreats, Back to Bethany, the Legion of Mary, Music Ministry, the Vocations Committee, and the Pastoral and Finance Councils.
- St. Vincent de Paul / Food Pantry (assistance line: 832-320-4181)
- Gabriel Project, Kolbe Prison Ministry, St. Mother Teresa Ministry
- Gratia Plena Catholic counseling
- The Gathering (special-needs day program)
- ACTS retreats, Back to Bethany, Legion of Mary, Music Ministry
- Liturgical Ministries: altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers
- Hispanic Ministries
- Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Vocations Committee, School Advisory Committee, Hospitality Board, Altar Guild, Building & Maintenance
Meet the Servant Leaders
The day-to-day life of the parish is led by Pastor Fr. Jacob Ramirez (since July 2025), Parochial Vicar Fr. John Samuel, and Deacons David Dufilho, Ed Herrera, and Ray Rodriguez. Deacon Ed Herrera, ordained in 2013, has served as a Pastoral Associate at St. Rose since 2014 and more recently as Interim Business Manager; Deacon Ray Rodriguez (ordained 2023) has been a member of the parish for 35 years and ministers to engaged and married couples.
- Fr. Jacob Ramirez — Pastor (since July 2025)
- Fr. John Samuel — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon David Dufilho (OCIA coordinator, parish outreach & hospital ministry)
- Deacon Ed Herrera (Pastoral Associate since 2014, former Interim Business Manager)
- Deacon Ray Rodriguez (engaged & married couples ministry)
- Fr. Linh Nguyen (former pastor; pictured on the history page)
Parish Staff & Operations
Lay staff keep the parish running and serve its many programs: Stephanie Ruiz directs Youth Ministry; Bao Huynh is a Pastoral Associate; Lucy Martinez and Chrissy Whitney coordinate Religious Education; Annie Khoung Martinez directs Music; Jackie Madden directs Communications; Robert Rios is Business Manager; O.T. Garcia manages Facilities; and school leadership includes Principal Stefanie Tellier, Early Childhood Center Director Lisa Weatherly, and Assistant Director Laura Gonzalez.
- Stephanie Ruiz — Director of Youth Ministry
- Bao Huynh — Pastoral Associate
- Lucy Martinez — Religious Education Coordinator
- Chrissy Whitney — Religious Education Assistant
- Annie Khoung Martinez — Music Director
- Jackie Madden — Director of Communications
- Robert Rios — Business Manager
- O.T. Garcia — Facilities Manager
- Stefanie Tellier — School Principal
- Lisa Weatherly — Early Childhood Center Director
- Laura Gonzalez — Assistant Director
Visit St. Rose of Lima
Parishioners and visitors are welcomed at 3600 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018 (phone 713-692-9123). The parish office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Newcomers can register online through the parish website or stop by the office. Those seeking rental or food assistance are asked to call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul directly at 832-320-4181, leaving their name, phone number, and ZIP code.
- Address: 3600 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018
- Phone: (713) 692-9123
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- SVdP assistance line: 832-320-4181
- Website: www.stroselima.org
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Paul C. Pieri (Msgr. Pieri)1946–1969
Founding pastor; oversaw land purchase, construction of first parish complex, dedication of the school, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet convent. Passed away September 1969.
- Rev. John J. Ruddy1969
Appointed after Msgr. Pieri's death; passed away less than a month later.
- Rev. Joe CrosthwaitJanuary 1970 – c.1979
Served the parish for most of the next decade.
- Rev. Rudy Beranek1979 – c.1989
Led construction of the Parish Activities Building (dedicated August 1987) with offices, meeting rooms and the West Hall.
- Msgr. Tom Wendland1989–1998
Purchased two residences across the street for a new rectory, ran a capital campaign that built the Early Childhood Center and Fellowship Center, and upgraded lighting/sound. Died December 26, 1998.
- Rev. Clint Ressler1998–1999 (interim)
Returned as pastor later (2007–2015).
- Msgr. James B. AndersonJune 1999 – August 2007
- Rev. Clint ResslerAugust 2007 – May 2015
Led capital campaign that built Pre-K wings, the Parish Hall, expanded the Early Childhood Center and acquired Food Pantry property.
- Rev. Rafael Becerra ('Father Rafa')July 2015 – c.2025
Built the Education and Formation Building; expanded Hispanic outreach and bilingual unity.
- Fr. Linh Nguyenc.2024–2025
Featured on the parish history page as a recent pastor.
- Fr. Jacob RamirezJuly 2025 – present
Houston native, ordained 2022 by Cardinal DiNardo; previously at Sacred Heart Conroe and Holy Family Galveston.